Shunji Kosugi

Shunji Kosugi (小杉俊二, Kosugi Shunji) (born February 17, 1960), is a retired Japanese professional wrestler, who was based in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).

Shunji Kosugi
Born (1960-02-17) February 17, 1960[1]
Sado, Niigata, Japan[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Shunji Kosugi
Billed height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Billed weight98 kg (216 lb)[1]
Trained byKotetsu Yamamoto
Tatsumi Fujinami
Yoshiaki Fujiwara
Karl Gotch
DebutJanuary 11, 1981[1]
RetiredApril 10, 1988[1]

Career

Shunji Kosugi made his debut on January 11, 1981 against Norio Honaga.[2] He was known for his technical prowess in the ring, influenced by Karl Gotch. He was the last man to defeat Satoru Sayama, before Sayama became Tiger Mask and also the very first opponent of the future Jushin Thunder Liger, Keiichi Yamada.[3] Kosugi's biggest accomplishment came in April 1985, when he defeated Yamada to win the very first Young Lion Cup.[4]

As time went on, Kosugi suffered a severe back injury, which forced him to retire on April 10, 1988.[5] His last recorded match as an active wrestler occurred on March 18, teaming with Don Arakawa, losing to Hiro Saito and Norio Honaga.

Retirement

After retiring from the ring, he returned to his hometown to run a liquor store, owned by his wife's family.

On September 26, 2010, after over 22 years since his last match, Kosugi made a surprise return in a battle royal, held by Tatsumi Fujinami's Dradition promotion.[6] Although he lost, he received a standing ovation by body slamming Kikutaro.

On September 18, 2019, at a Pro Wrestling Zero1 in Sado, he handed a bouquet to the soon retiring Jushin Thunder Liger.[5]

Championships and accomplishments

References
  1. "Cagematch profile". Cagematch. Retrieved 2011-08-07.
  2. "NJPW New Year Golden Series 1981 - Tag 3". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 2021-01-20.
  3. Clevett, Jason (November 3, 2004). "The legend of Jushin "Thunder" Liger". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved February 2, 2010.
  4. Royal Duncan & Gary Will (2000). "Japan: New Japan Young Lion Cup Champion". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p. 376. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  5. "ヤングライオン時代が蘇った佐渡島。小杉俊二も認めたライガーの30年". Number WEB. 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2020-01-20.
  6. "Dradition Dream Impact 2010 In Sado Island". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 2021-01-20.
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